electrical question

[dmccarty]

farmpsv,

We have some 20 Amp circuits going to our outlets. I wanted in the living room and study the 20 amps since its easy now a days to use up the power. Or vacuum can trip one 15 amp circuit as it is.

We just built the house last year with the final inspection in December of 2004. So we are at code in my area.

later,
Dan

 

[Mike_C]

Lights must be on a 15 amp circuit, but it is common practice to put 15 amp outlets on a 20 amp circuit. The only difference between a 15 amp plug and a 20 amp plug is that the neutral spade is rotated 90 degrees to indicate that it's 20 amps. This is why 20 amp outlets have the neutral spade in both the vertical and horizontal positions, so that it can accept a 15 or 20 amp plug. It meets code most places to have a 20 amp circuit with 15 amp outlets. This is frequently done along kitchen counters in new houses.
The cost of 20 amp outlets is much higher because they are almost always "specification grade" which translates to heavy duty. The prongs in the consumer grade 49 cent outlets won't last as long as the specification grade, but are suitable when they won't be plugged and unplugged on a daily basis.

 

[mudcat]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Lights must be on a 15 amp circuit, )</font>
Is this your personal opinion? NEC 210.23

 

[bky]

It is code to be able to install 15 amp receptacle on a 20 amp circuit. so long as there is a min of a duplex receptacle (not single receptacle) if there is only one ie single receptacle it has to be a 20 amp device.

 

[Mike_C]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Is this your personal opinion? NEC 210.23 )</font>

Yes, I was basing it on the standards I have observed in new home construction, not on the NEC so I stand corrected. My guide to the NEC is in a closet so since you have already looked it up, does that cover residential or just industrial?

 

[mudcat]

That covers residential, commercial, and industrial. In other than residential applications you are allowed to place lighting circuit on 30, 40, 50amp circuits , if the lampholders are heavy-duty and approved for the purpose.
What you have observed is the least expensive means
(14 AWG wire and a 15a breaker). Nothing wrong with it. Your only benifit of using #12 and a 20a breaker, other than lower resistance, is the ability to put a few more lights on the circuit.